Category: women

If you are reading this, please give me a like because I feel like blogging is like talking to myself hoping someone hears me. Hence I dont blog very often but for special occasions, I get inspired. This time I am inspired because its that time of year again where I forced myself to do my taxes and was again amazed at my progress in this self-employment game. Its been 3 years since I left the comfort of my salary. And while I want to quit, I am happy to say I did better than I had guessed. And for all of those that are afraid to take the leap, Im here to tell you the rewards are worth the work! One of the best things about working for myself is being able to open the door for my son when he gets off the bus after school. Flying my daughter to Florida for college, and employing my 1st born to take pictures at her school so that she can afford her new apartment. I feel so blessed! And it does not happen everyday, but 2 weeks in a row is a success for me.

I love photography. So much so that I left a great company to pursue the idea that I could make other people happy and get paid for it on a full-time basis. But what I love more than photography is the opportunity to provide for my children, and to employ them. Its a special kind of feeling. I challenge you to try it sometime. I did it today and I am proud to be able to not only hire my own, but mentor and showcase other young people to provide income for themselves.

Speaking of which, if you see me working with a young person on a job, please treat them like the professional I am teaching them to be. Part of the mission of Abyrdseyephoto Productions is to train young people to work for themselves. To cultivate their talents and enhance their skills they read and attend school for. I believe in our youth, and plan to do whatever I can to instill confidence in them through entrepreneurship.

I feel like I am rambling so I will stop now but I want to end by saying THANK. YOU. Thank you to every person who took a chance on me. Everyone who hired me to capture their memories, hard work, perseverance, determination, and beauty. Without you I would not be in year six still amazed that I can make a living by capturing light, feelings, and movement, with natural hair! Many days I think how much easier it would be to apply for a job, go back to serving students in higher education, utilize these 3 degrees I worked so long for. But every time I imaging leaving this life, I feel sad. Then someone calls out of the blue and offers me a just in time assignment. One that not only pays well, but reminds me that capturing the moment, in a professional and authentic manner for my community is my Joy! And I do not think I can give that up just yet. Even when I do I will continue to teach, employ, and capture. Because God gave me this gift for a purpose. And I plan to thank Him, and you by providing the world with my gift as often as I can.

Thank you. Here’s one of my favorite images from this past summer.

Toledo Botanical Gardens Engagement Portraits

2018 BGSU Graduation Masters Students

OH State Rep Paula Hicks-Hudson

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Look around you. What else will be in the picture with you? Please refrain from bathroom stalls, dirty bedrooms, and objects that may look like they are sticking out of your head (ie. trees, lamp posts, buildings, etc.)

Adjust the aperture setting on your smartphone camera. 1:1 works great. 16:9 probably stretches your head and nose way out of proportion.

Android users beware: that beauty feature makes you look like a cartoon. Fake photoshop does not flatter your face. turn down the beauty percentage to 10% or lower. Read this article for more info.

Most people hold the phone out in front of them or to the side. If you have a double chin like me, hold the phone above your head. It makes everyone look better. Trust me.

If you take a burst of pictures you will find one you like faster than one at a time. The first couple your are posing too hard, so by the 3rd one you should be more natural and relaxed looking. Just delete the extras when you are finished.

No matter how good your phone is, the camera on the back of the phone is way better than the front. If you want a less grainy picture, turn the phone around, or have someone else take the picture.

Selfie sticks only let you take the picture farther away. Its meant for “usies” and to eliminate some of the distortion I talked about in #2. It doesnt necessarily take better photos.

Lastly, do not use a selfie for your LinkedIn profile picture. Hire a professional. Whenever you get the chance, update your profile picture. It makes a difference when people “meet” you via the internet before they meet you in person. Think of how many jobs you may not have gotten a call for due to your profile pic! If; you need a professional shoot, I know a girl that can get you together, ;).

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Boudoir photography is hard to explain. For me, its like glamour photography for everyday women. Your 15 minutes of fame as a model. A boost of self confidence, that no matter your profession, age, size, or fierceness, you are fabulous, and picture worthy-with the right outfit, posing, and lighting.

Has never posed for a camera beyond family, school or vacation photos.

Has never posed in front of a camera in anything but being fully clothed.

Has never posed in front of a camera in intimate apparel.

Is generally a bit nervous to utterly frightened of posing in intimate apparel on camera, let alone “looking sexy”.

Spends some or no time on their physique because they don’t pose in front of cameras for a living.

Are mostly in their late 20’s or older.

So you see this isn’t something that you book with a photographer, just for your birthday. Its often a life changing event, that many women bring tears with them to the reveal session. It takes time, and effort on all parties to make it “work”. Hair, skin, and makeup preparation is essential to the overall look. Check out this article from 1985: Real Playmates

Most of our boudoir sessions are held in the clients home, or at our studio. We make sure you are relaxed before we start, and offer suggestions during the pre-consultation to assist with wardrobe choices. We also have clothing items and props to help create the look you want. Women book sessions equally for themselves, and for significant others. Our boudoir albums make great gifts for weddings (grooms), Valentine’s Day, and private birthday gifts. The session also makes a great gift for oneself! Birthdays, milestone celebrations, or for any reason at all, they make women feel good about themselves.